FEMA Says, Get a Survival Kit – What Do They Know?

This is a ‘re-post’, reminder that FEMA served up a public service announcement suggesting that we all get a survival kit, in case our ‘world is turned upside down’.

FEMA Says, Get a Survival Kit – What Do They Know

I wonder if they know something…
Get a Kit
Make a Plan
Stay Informed

The following is a pretty good basic list of items for a survival kit, based on recommendations from ready.gov.

NO survival kit is the perfect kit for everyone, but ANY survival kit is better than none.

These kits can be tailored for a wide variety of needs and use-case scenarios. The contents are simply up to you. You should consider having one in your car (commonly referred to as a 72 hour kit to get you from point A to point B during an emergency or disaster), or at home as a ‘bug out bag’, at work, while you travel (vacation?), or other places/locations where you spend time away from home.

If you don’t already have one, consider getting started. At least think about it.

Once you’ve put one together, you will probably find yourself adjusting it from time to time. It is a good idea to consider the seasons and adjust the contents for that. Keep in mind expiration dates for food and medicines, and replenish or replace when necessary.

Again, this is a recommended list from FEMA including the following items…
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Survival Kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local and Regional maps
Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to a Survival Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler’s checks and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from Home | Ready.gov
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children